[yodeli]

Yodeli
But wouldn't an assertive crossline thrust action through impact have some effect on the clubhead's travel through the impact zone (from impact to low point)?

Jeff,

You must separate clubHEAD and clubFACE.

Hitting or Swinging, the clubHEAD travel is absolutely the same because either using centrifugal force or muscular thrust, the hinge pin is always located the left shoulder.
Because of that, the geometry/radius is the same (and so is low point and divot).

The only difference is the hinge action: horizontal for the swinger, with a closing only clubFACE, angled for the Hitter, with a clubFACE perpendicular to the inclined plane.

Because of those different hinges, the Swinger has a clubFACE that is looking to right field until the very last moment and then rotates in the impact zone.
The hitter has a clubFACE that rotates less and gradualy during the entire downstroke. So the rotation is less important in the impact zone.

This is why I think the inner part of the divot is straight for both actions : same clubHEAD travel and the rotation of the clubFACE doesn't affect the hosel. Whereas the outer part of the divot may show differences because the rate of closing of the clubFACE is different.